A urinary tract infection (UTI) is an infection caused by bacteria or fungi in the urinary bladder or any other parts of the urinary tract. Women are more prone to urinary tract infections than men as the bacteria can reach the bladder easily because of a shorter urethra. As urethra is located near the rectum in women, bacteria can travel up from the rectum and cause infections. Some UTIs are harmless while others can cause serious damage to the kidneys. Pregnant women too are susceptible to UTI’s as the hormonal changes and the change in the positioning of the urinary tract during pregnancy causes bacteria to travel up and cause infection.
Though there are numerous causes for a urinary tract infection in women, the main causes are poor hygiene habits, increased sexual intercourse, some birth control methods and low water intake. Women who have multiple partners or begin having sexual intercourse may frequently experience urinary infections. During sexual activity, the bacteria get transferred from vagina to the urethra and the bladder thus causing infections. Birth control methods like diaphragm, if not fitted properly can put pressure on the bladder to cause infections. If your water intake is low, you will pass urine less frequently which causes bacteria in the bladder to multiply more resulting in infections. Holding back the urine or waiting too long to urinate can also cause an infection as this causes the bladder to stretch and the muscles to weaken. This may result in not emptying the bladder fully and the urine left in the bladder cause infections.
The common symptoms of UTI’s are frequent and painful urination, foul smelling urine, blood in the urine, burning sensation while passing urine, pain in the lower abdomen, fever and pain during sexual intercourse. Proper diagnosis is important as the symptoms could be caused by other vaginal infections too. UTI’s can be really painful, but timely treatments can cure them and prevent further damage to the kidneys. The first step is to test the urine for an infection by doing a urine culture test and finding out the real cause of the infection. Based on the diagnosis, several antibiotics are used for the treatment along with painkillers in some cases.
In addition to this, it is also important to eat a well-balanced diet with plenty of fluids. Drinking lots of water and juices will help flush the bacteria and toxins out of the system. Avoid caffeine, alcohol, citrus and spicy food as these may increase the discomfort. Follow good hygiene habits like wiping from front to back around the anus to prevent the bacteria from entering the urinary tract and cleaning the genitals after sexual intercourse. Further, do not hold the urine for long. Empty the bladder as soon as you feel like urinating.
Even though it is very difficult to prevent a urinary tract infection, following the above-mentioned preventive steps will help you avoid getting an infection. If the infection still persists in spite of taking these steps, consult a doctor for further action and treatment accordingly.
